Fansided

5 bold predictions for Indianapolis Colts in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 03: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts in action in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 03: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts in action in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Colts bold predictions, Darius Leonard
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 27: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

3. Darius Leonard will flirt with double-digit sacks

Leonard already has established himself as one of the best linebackers in football. He racks up tackles for the Colts defense and also holds up well in pass coverage. That one thing Leonard hasn’t really done during his NFL career is show off his chops as a pass rusher.

Look for him to add that important element to his game in 2021. He’s not going to suddenly turn into a rush end on obvious passing downs, but the defensive coaching staff is going to give him a few more opportunities to blitz this season. Leonard has the athleticism required to turn those opportunities into quality quarterback pressures.

He’s not going to hit the elusive 10-sack mark in 2021, but he’s going to come awfully close. Colts fans should look for their All-Pro linebacker to notch a career-high 8 sacks this season. That kind of production will make Leonard even more of a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Rushing the passer will never be Leonard’s forte, but he needs to show he can harass opposing quarterbacks if he wants to fully round out his game. This is the year where the linebacker takes another important leap.

Home/Indianapolis Colts